The legendary CCI5* of Badminton is on!

Badminton competition is a milestone in eventing. Winning there for a rider is a very prestigious victory. It was the 10th Duke of Beaufort who started this tradition in 1949. He had the idea to hold an event in his Gloucestershire park in order that British riders could train for future international events. Over twenty-two starters from only two countries, Ireland and Britain, John Shedden was the very first rider to win the competition. He was associated with Golden Willow only five years old at that time. Today, horses have to be at least seven years old to compete. For the first ten years, the dressage and show jumping arenas were sited on the old crocket ground in front of the Badminton House. But, because of a torrential rain in 1959, the park was turned into a sea of mud so the arenas were moved to the present site.

In 1954, for the very first time, a woman won the competition. It was Margaret Hough on Bambi V. From there many women won at Badminton like Lucinda Fredericks and Pippa Funnell for exemple, or last year winner Jonelle Price. Unfortunately, the rider from New Zealand had to withdraw from defending her Badminton Horse Trials title because of problems with her horse. But other New Zeland’s riders will try to shine in Badminton. World number two, Tim Price will be fighting for a victory with Bango and Ringwood Sky Boy. Winner in 2017 and team bronze medalist at the Olympics of London in 2012, Andrew Nicholson will be there too associated with Swallow Springs. This week-end, New Zealand can also count on the legendary Mark Todd on Campino.

Unsurprisingly, Great Britain will be very well represented in Badminton, even if world number one Rosalind Canter will not be able to compete as she is currently expecting. World number three Oliver Townend is bringing Ballaghmor Class and Cillnabradden Evo. Badminton winner in 2015, William Fox Pitt will defend Great Britain colors with Little Fire and Ontario. Team silver medalist at the 2012 London’s Olympics, Kristina Cook will ride Billy the Red and Star Witness. Many more Great Britain’s riders will try to shine in front of their home crowd but spectators will have to wait until Sunday to know the name of the new Badminton’s champion.